One of the major discussions at my first real summer job, working for the
Union County Park Commission cleaning iris beds, was musical in nature. At 16
most of us knew it all, hence the nature of our first job, but when it came to
music, we had different views. We may not have known it all, but we knew what
we liked. It is 1969, great names from music like Tommy James and the
Shondells, The Archies, whose song “Sugar, Sugar,” outsold The Stones “Honky
Tonk Woman,” The Grass Roots, The Doors, Temptations, Gary Puckett and the Union
Gap, even the Beatles! What an exciting time for music, and to be a kid, sorry
adult, we were working now, and have some folding green in our wallets. All $64
of it before taxes! But having different views, and having a radio to listen
to, most of the time it was on WABC, listening to Cousin’ Brucie, and then to a
small station from Newark, which I cannot remember the call letters of. We
would each get a turn for 30 minutes, and although I thought I was sophisticated
in my music choices, that small Newark station became too much. I loved Motown,
this was Newark, same riots as Detroit two years earlier, but with no soul. I
liked the harmonies, and sang along to the Carpenter’s “Close to You.” Which
drove the fine musical ears of the others nuts. “How can you listen to that?
You can’t dance to it?” And when we changed stations, they would look like the
Temptations with rakes and shovels moving/working to the music. “How can you
listen to that? You can’t make out to that?” And so the battle raged on...
Rare Earth’s hit “Get Ready” vs. “Close to You.” Sometimes the conversations
were heated, sometimes comical, we all would laugh. But when it affected our
work, Tony our boss turned off the radio. And I can still see guys like both
the Freds, and Kyle Looney Boy still dancing with their rakes, while I sang. We
were having fun, and although I liked Rare Earth, would not admit it. I even
caught one of the Fred’s telling how his girlfriend liked The Carpenters, I am
sure such musical sacrifices would be made in the name of love. But it was all
done in fun, it was entertaining, and 46 years later I still don’t like iris.
But I love The Carpenters, no voice ever like Karen’s, listen to “Superstar,”
recorded on the first take, reading the words off of a napkin...the lady has
soul. And when I hear “Get Ready” by Rare Earth, or the original from The
Temptations, I want to move and dance like my old work mates did, at least in my
mind. They had soul....
Our paths would intertwine over the years, and we had the bond of that
summer. Our first jobs, from different high schools in different towns,
different backgrounds,and different music. But when we met, we would always go
back to the music....and argue and laugh. I often wonder if we ever knew how
special that first job, new friends, and arguing over music would be. I still
listen to music, but not like before. No radio on my bikes, and rarely am I in
a car. So my old 37 year turntable plays the hits occasionally. My collection
of albums, over 300 stopping in 1975, the year I got saved. Music changed that
year for me, or so I thought, really it was me. My outlook became different
looking through life from Jesus’ perspective, and Christian music was all new.
Daniel Amos, Second Chapter of Acts, Parable, and John Fischer....but I still
loved the oldies. And still listen to them today. Much to the chagrin of some
Christians, who think I am blasphamous-I am, but with style, decadent, I am but
with rhythm, and a bad witness...not enough legalism I guess. But I sing Jesus
words to the oldies sometimes, my own style of worship, and a trip down memory
lane without critics. The words to “Close to You” remind me of meeting Jesus,
how he longs to be close to me, and you. “On the day when you were born the
angels got together....” says so right here in the gospels. And what better
harmony than harmony in the spirit. And whether it be the Temptations, or Rare
Earth, “Get Ready” reminds me to be ready, to look up for the day of his return
is closer everyday. “I’m bringin’ you a lover’s tune, so get ready...” and I
can see my friends moving to the music, in perfect harmony. You see Jesus
brings harmony into our lives, we have a part to sing with him, and when we
become one with him, the song is wonderful. The tune perfect, and the words
mean something. For what was just a song when unsaved, now the words have
meaning. So it should come as no surprise that so many old love songs can be
sung to the Lord. For if music if the language of love, play on. And when
Jesus is that language of love, the songs never end. He is the music we long
for, and the tunes we live by. So of course we sing...and he loves it. Worship
he calls it, and when it comes from the heart, he gets Close to You-so Get
Ready!
And so our music is personal, like it is with our relationship with God. I
like the old hymns, I also like much of the new Christian music. My taste is
varied, my love for God isn’t. It cannot match how much he loves us, and did
while we were yet sinners. As I was that summer in 1969. My life and music
changed when I met Jesus, and today I sing a new song...one of life and love.
So maybe music is the language of love, but Jesus is the music. And all can say
to that is “play on!”
Whether 8-track, cassette, album, or CD, let the music of Jesus play on
forever in your life. But the best tunes I hear are from his heart to mine,
making the songs come alive. Songs of love, songs that win a man’s heart, that
worship the King, and remind me of how life changed when Jesus entered it. If
he has entered your life, you know what I mean, if not, I welcome you to meet
him, to hear music in perfect harmony. Songs that will make you want to dance
with joy, or sing with reverence. Songs once sung alone, but now a duet, with
the Lord. So Get Ready-Jesus wants to be Close to You. Looking at the
Billboard Top 100 for 1969, so many songs were love songs. Songs about love,
which now have a special meaning because I met the one who is love. Call it a
lesson learned in the iris beds of life...pretty smart for a 16 year old,
huh?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com